Comparison of Two High-Altitude Zones of the Ferrel Cell

Double-walled, drystone towers from the Iron Age built as defensive structures and farmhouses. They provided protection from the stormy conditions of Atlantic Scotland; galleries within the walls shielded central rooms from the wet weather and voids retained the heat from the fire. A conical form was achieved by corbelling dry stones, and the cavities were wide enough to be occupied; even staircases would fit between. Those that remain climb as tall as 13m.

Prehistoric monuments consisting of standing stones in a circular arrangement. Their purpose is unknown, though they are speculated to have had religious, or social significance. Studies on their solar shading patterns imply their potential former use as an astronomical observatory. The Callanish Standing Stones on the Isle of Lewis range in dimensions of 0.5-5 metres x 0.2-1.8 metres. Their uniformity is a testament to the skilled craftsmen who erected them.

Relatively small, simple shelters built in remote areas, traditionally used by shepherds and forestry workers up in the mountains when they weren’t able to hike back to their settlements before darkness would fall. They are still used now by travellers and outdoor enthusiasts, they are free to use by anyone who needs.

Traditional Hebridean houses with thick stone or turf walls and thatch roofs, that were inhabited up until the early 20th Century. Typically they were built using dry-stone wall construction. The roofs supported by wooden rafters, with a layer of straw and then thatch from local marram or heather grass in the locality, secured in place by netting and stones.

Mount Hecla’s composition is of Lewisian gneiss on the western slopes and of gabbro to the east; both are unique forms of igneous rock with interesting appearances. Lewisian gneiss is distinctively banded in appearance due to the alignment of mineral grains during formation.

Topographic Analysis

Running a script to test the rate of increase in height over lateral distance

Digital Site Analysis Using Average Wind

Monthly Wind Averages and Vertical Profile

= Flat

= Steep

= Smooth rise

- ideal for site

- Avoid westward adjacency to a steep incline (due to turbulence)

Recursive subdivision of surface analysing height

Identifying zones with steep / shallow gradient

Average Annual Weather Data

Simulated Vorticity (Rotational Particle Behaviour)

A weather recording device at the intersection between world coordinate grid lines and the fluctuating boundary between two atmospheric air masses.

Emerging from the rich geology of the South Uist Hills in full exposure to Westerly winds, and sat just above the 1000mb pressure threshold, the building engages with the elements to amplify the tangible experience of the Jet Stream.